A couple of weeks ago, I came down with an ear infection. At first, I treated it at home with hot compresses and herbal antibiotics. I also did a healing session for myself, but I couldn’t access the subconscious reason for my ear infection. I guessed it had to do with something I didn’t want to hear; however, I couldn’t figure out what.
PEACE’S PASSING
Then our beloved parrot, Peace, passed away a week later, on December 18th. He was 28 – 30 years old, and he had been with us for the last 21+ of those years. My husband Brice and I were grateful we were able to be with him when he transitioned.
I felt an immense bond with my animal companion Peace, and I’d been dreading his passing. During the days following, I was crying a lot and processing his death. It then occurred to me he had been trying to tell me for the last nine or so months that he was preparing to transition, and I hadn’t been open to hearing him.
ORIGIN OF EAR INFECTION
I realized this was the origin of my ear infection. I did not want to hear Peace was getting ready to die.
I started beating myself up. I thought, if only I had listened and known his transition was imminent, I could have spent more quality time with him. I even thought if I had done so, he may not have left so soon. I recognized I was in the bargaining stage of grief.
Then I had a talk with myself, “Deb, there was a part of you who knew what was happening, and you responded accordingly. This year you started eating most lunches and dinners in the living room right next to Peace’s cage, so you could spend more time with him.”
IT UNFOLDED AS PLANNED
I understood everything had unfolded exactly as planned. By this I mean, planned by the universal life force or our souls. Here was yet another opportunity to learn surrender. I was learning to be okay with events and how they turn out, and to let go of trying to control those events and their outcomes. Not easy for me.
NEW YEAR RESET
As the New Year approaches, I’ve decided to use the new year as a time to reset…to come back to basics. I intend to dedicate next year to practicing in a more conscious way what’s truly important to me, rather than getting lost in the striving, stress, and struggles of life or getting stuck in fears and doubts.
What’s truly important to me is listening to the whispers within, surrendering to my soul’s plan, and fearlessly engaging with life. What’s foundational for me is love.
IT COMES BACK TO LOVE
Peace may have had a small body, but to me he was a great majestic soul and a wise loving teacher. He is still teaching me how to listen deeply, surrender more completely, and love. Even though I can still feel (and hear) him around, I miss him.
P.S. What’s truly important and foundational for you? And what intention do you want to set for the New Year? I’d love to hear from you.
